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Strongly encourage our clients to take the Covid 19 vaccination.Require that our clients pre-register to attend in-person support groups. Call the center at 239-437-3007to register.Masking will be required while at the Dubin Center.

Visit our new website www.DubinCenter.com! 2021 marks the 25th Anniversary of Brushstrokes from the Soul!Memory Café coming soon!Virtual dementia tour home edition available now!Follow us on Facebook @DubinCenter!

Dear Friends,

The Dubin Center is your local Southwest Florida resource center providing support for caregivers andindividuals living with dementia. We are happy to welcome you back to the center starting Monday,September 13th for in-person support groups. We will continue to provide our services virtually as well forthose of you who prefer zoom.

The center is committed to providing our programs and services to you in the safest and healthiest manner. To achieve this, we will do the following:

Thank you for your cooperation and I can't wait to welcome you back!

Important announcements inside this expanded newsletter edition:

Inside this issue:

Warm Regards,

Lynne Thorp, MBA MAExecutive Director

GIVING & ZELDA SOCIETY 2

BUILDING A CARE TEAM 3

SUPPORT GROUPS 4

FALL SPEAKER SERIES 5

CAREGIVER TRAININGS 7

25 YEARS OF BRUSHSTROKES 8 & 9

NEW CENTER OFFERINGS 11

GIFTS TO THE CENTER 12

UPCOMING EVENTS 14

CAREGIVER CORNER 15

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LYNNE THORP

Lastly, a big thank you to our donors, Board of Trustees, AdvisoryCouncil members and community supporters for making thecommitment that no one faces dementia alone in Southwest Florida.

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Benefactor $2000Philanthropist $1000

Ambassador $500Humanitarian $250

Friend $100

To join, visit The Zelda Giving Society — The DubinCenter (www.DubinCenter.com) or call the center at

(239) 437-3007

In special tribute to the woman who started it all, The Zelda GivingSociety was established to help the center continue to fulfill its mission in

supporting dementia caregivers in southwest Florida.

Board of TrusteesAl O’Donnell, PresidentO’Donnell LandscapesKathy Y. Monroe, Vice PresidentCommunity VolunteerBritton G. Swank, Esq., TreasurerBritton G. Swank, P.A., AttorneyJo Stecher, Ph.D, RN, SecretaryCommunity VolunteerJamie Seneca, Member at LargeTrilogy Home Health CareDebbie Beavers, Advisory Council ChairCommunity VolunteerTroy ChurchillCypress Living, CEOSchelle'y CunninghamArden Courts, Memory Care AdvisorThomas P. Felke, Ph.D., MSW Florida Gulf Coast University, Chair & Associate Professor Stan GrigiskiMedical Claim ServiceKeith KyleCircuit Court JudgeBruce LopesCarePatrol, CEODawn Moore, RNCypress at Home, Aging Life Care ProfessionalCarol OsterhoutFineMark National Bank & Trust, Vice PresidentAdvisory CouncilDebbie Beavers, Advisory Council ChairCommunity VolunteerHalcyon St. Hill, Vice Chair , Ed.D., M.S., FASAHPRetired Professor Emeritus, Florida Gulf Coast UniversityPat Boris Chapel by the Sea CaptivaBelinda Bruster, Ph.D., LCSW, ACSWVolunteerAlexandra Chiklakis, Wealth AdvisorHenderson Wealth PartnersDanielle Dyer, CEO Right at HomeSharon Eldred - Community VolunteerJohn Goodlad Community VolunteerJennifer J. Hammond Associate Green Schoenfeld & Kyle LLPDan Moser Caregiver and Community AdvocateCarl Scharfenberg Community VolunteerJim Spangler CaregiverCandice ThieleCommunity VolunteerJaimee Thompson Abby ServicesEmeriti BoardBill EnslenCommunity VolunteerDouglas Newland, MDNeurologistJulie OsterhautOsterhaut & McKinneyBill Beckwith, PhDMemory ManagementPatricia HesselRetired Certified Public AccountantNancy Silvers, RN CRetired Registered NurseJohn BelisleBB&T - Oswald Trippe and Company Nancy ZantNursing Home Administrator, GerontologistPeg Gray-VickeryTexas A&M - Central TexasLou PontiusCommunity VolunteerArchie B. HaywardLee County Court JudgeJames Nolte

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THE TALE OF THE STARFISH

IT ALL STARTED WHEN…A young girl was walking along a beach upon which thousands of starfish

had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to eachstarfish, she would pick it up, and throw it back into the ocean. People

watched her with amusement.

She had been doing this for some time when a man approached her andsaid, “Little girl, why are you doing this? Look at this beach! You can’t

save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!”

The girl seemed crushed, suddenly deflated. But after a few moments,she bent down, picked up another starfish, and hurled it as far as she

could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied,

“Well, I made a difference for that one!”The old man looked at the girl inquisitively and thought about what shehad done and said. Inspired, he joined the little girl in throwing starfishback into the sea. Soon others joined, and all the starfish were saved.

We are thankful for every donation and volunteer making a difference atthe Dubin Center. To learn more about giving to the Dubin Center pleasevisit http://donate.dubincenter.com/ or call Lynne at (239) 437-3007.

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Did you know that there are 527,000 caregivers in Florida caring for someone with a dementia related disorder? Caregivers help with everything from dressing, to bathing, preparing meals, managing challenging behaviors, managing finances and providing emotional support. Caregiving is often too much for one person to handle alone and creatinga Care Team can help.

So, what is a Care Team?You know the phrase "It takes a village"? Studies show that extra support helps dementia caregiversthrive. Having support helps you be a better caregiver and allows you time to take care of yourself too. Think of your care team as people in your life who will support your emotional and physical health bytaking something off your plate. These activities could be as simple as spending an hour with yourloved one sorting socks or doing a puzzle while you take a walk or read a book or as involved as helpingyou develop a financial plan. It is a matter of identifying your team and communicating your needs. Your care team may include professional (doctors, lawyers, financial planners) and personalrelationships (family, friends, neighbors, coworkers). Some team members may support your day-to-day life while others are available to step up in the event of an emergency.

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Tell members of your team they are welcome to call the DubinCenter if they want to learn about dementia related disordersand what to expect; Identify a range of helpful activities for your team to evaluate; Listen to your team’s input when matching members to tasks orneeds;Be prepared to show your team how they can help; do not expecteveryone to know what to do on their ownBe flexible if a team member says no to a request and do nottake it personally; simply move on to the next person on your listKeep your team up to date. If phone calls are difficult, try usingan online tool like CaringBridge or PostHope to communicatesimultaneously with controls to protect health information.

Here are some tips to consider when developing your team:

Managing Caregiver Stress: the Importance of Having a Care Teamby the Dubin Center's newest team member, Kinsey Stapleton, MSW

For help with developing a Care Team or a Care Plan, rememberyou are not alone, call the Dubin Center 239-437-3007 and we

will help. Beginning in August, we will host bi-monthly onehour zoom sessions to walk your through building an Emergency

Plan. Visit the website or call to learn more.

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To join a Support Group simply go to our Support Groups page on ourwebsite, www.DubinCenter.com, then scroll down past the calendars andclick next to the meeting you wish to join just before it begins.

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August Support Group Calendar

Why Join a Support Group?Support Groups are a safe place for people, who have shared experiences, tocome together and encourage one another. At the Dubin Center we offer avariety of Support Groups that allow caregivers to come together with othercaregivers to share their experiences, build on knowledge, gain strength andhope as they face this disease.

How to Join a Support Group

You can also find printable versions of our Support Group Calendars on our website!

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ThursdayAugust 26th

2pmvia Zoom

E l d e r L a w a t t o r n e yE l d e r L a w a t t o r n e yV i r t u a l p a n e lV i r t u a l p a n e l

MondayOctober 4th

1pm via Zoom

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Dubin Center Fall Speaker Series

Through the Eyes of a Male Caregiver

ThursdayAugust 19th

10am via Zoom

A discussion panel on the journey of caregiving, led by men

Join us in discussing stress, social stigma, the roleof being a caregiver and spouse, guilt, isolation,

and more.

NeuropsychiatricResearch Centerof SWFL

Featuring Dr. Deborah Silver,Psy. D.

types of services offered how to make anappointment & what toexpectcost Alzheimer's research &clinical trials

Topics covered will include:

Hooppe HossppiceHope Hospice & H

pHp

ope PApAp

PAP Cp

Cp

E Program& Hope PACE ProgramThursday

September 14th1pm

via ZoomPresented virtually by Hope Liaisons Mary Poster and Deb Angelicchio

Learn about servicesprovided by Hope

Healthcare and seehow Hope can be a part

of your dementiajourney.

Gain a better understanding of how an elderlaw attorney can assist you in guardianship,

estate planning, Probate & Trust, VABenefits and more!

FEATURING BRITTON G. SWANK, P.A.

& AMY MCGARRY, P.L.

To register to attend any of our Speaker Series, visit ourwebsite, www.DubinCenter.com, call 239-437-3007 or

email info@DubinCenter.com

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What is the difference between Alzheimer's and Dementia?

Upcoming Educational Classes

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Submit artwork!The Dubin Center invites our clients who are living with

dementia to donate artwork they create. On September 21st at 11 am Ava Roeder, retired Art

Instructor from Cypress Lake High Center for the Arts will be leading a free painting event at the Dubin Center for

clients. Registration is required by calling the center.

Attend the Brushstrokes Caregiver Artwork Open HouseOctober 26th and 28th from 10am - 2pm

Caregivers are encouraged to bring their loved ones to ourdementia-friendly center to share fellowship and

refreshments while viewing the artwork submitted byindividuals with dementia. Please call the center to RSVP at

239-437-3007.

Purchase Artwork via our Online Auction SiteSee a piece of artwork you can't live without?! We are

offering the opportunity to purchase artwork ahead of theNovember 4th event at a "Buy Now" price.

Updates will be posted on our website https://dubincenter.com/brushstrokes-from-the-soul

Sponsor or Attend the EventPlease visit our website's Brushstrokes from the Soul pageto learn more about sponsorship opportunities and tickets.

http://dubincenter.com/brushstrokes-from-the-soul

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Ways to Participate in the Event

event venueSidney & Berne Davis Art Center

Downtown Fort Myers

artwork from the 2020Brushstrokes from the Soul

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Congratulations and three cheers for theALVIN A. DUBIN

ALZHEMER’s RESOURCE CENTER!Thanks for all you do for this community!

Robert & Reina Schlager

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Did you know that a person living with Dementia often experiences decrease field of vision, issues withdexterity, auditory hallucinations and increased pain in their feet?

What is a Virtual Dementia Tour?

The VDT Family Edition was designed to give families a way to gain understanding of what their loved one withdementia experiences daily. This self-guided experience is individualized and speaks directly to concerns aboutcaregiving from a more personal, less clinical perspective. When you experience the Virtual Dementia Tour, you

will open the window into the world of dementia and enhance your understanding in the process.

What to expect? After contacting the Dubin Center you will receive a kit, which includes unique gloves, glasses, shoe inserts and a MP3 playerwith a specialized recording. A Dubin staff member will walk you through the kit materials, explain how to properly "garb up"and set up a time to do an individual debrief after you've completed the VDT Home Edition.

How can I sign up to receive a Virtual Dementia Tour?

Visit the "Resources" section of our website, www.DubinCenter.com. Under "Resources" click on "Register Here" or simply call the center at 239-437-3007.

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Memory Café

Virtual Dementia Tour at Home

The Dubin Center is excited to announce that we will be hosting MemoryCafés for our caregivers and their loved ones who are living with Dementia.

What is a Memory Café?

A memory café is a safe, relaxing, and welcoming space for memory-impairedindividuals and their caregivers to socialize, have a snack, and engage withothers in a shared activity. While the cafe is a supportive environment, it is

not a support group. The focus is on social engagement and creativeexpression with others who are have shared experiences and are on a similar

journey. Interested in learning more about the history of memory cafes? Visit https://www.alzint.org/what-we-do/policy/dementia-friendly-

communities/alzheimer-cafes/

How can I sign up to attend or volunteer?Visit our website, www.DubinCenter.com, to view upcoming dates and to

register. Our Memory Café will be held at the Dubin Center and will be held monthly. We will be requiring participants to RSVP ahead of time to ensure

adequate space and support. Call the center to learn more or RSVP.

Is your organizationinterested in hosting one

of our Memory Cafés?Please call our center to

make arrangements.

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Gifts to the Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer's Resource CenterOur sincere thanks to the following individuals and businesses who gave a memorial, honorary

or general gift during the months of April, May and June. Gifts not listed will appear in the Fall Issue.

In Honor ofMaria DeLeon Sandra and John Conrad

Dan MoserLindy Smith

Larry MitchellAna Maria Mitchell

Individual DonationsWD AndrewsJeffrey & Patricia AllenRosetta & Carl BagansDebbie BeaversBonnie & Robert ChamberlainArline ConroyKathy DiPietroBonita FeltEllie FoxMike HumphreysDiana KingThomas JonesBarry LukatchChristine & Gary LungerJess McDonaldDan MoserCarl and Linda Scharfenberg Christopher SimoneauElaine Ros Stalter

In Memory ofJoe Bartuccio

Linda and Carl ScharfenbergBill Felt

Bonita FeltJ. Carl Griffith

Mary Lou GriffithWilliam Edgar "Eddie" Harper

Ramona Bunting Mac HarperRussell SabellaGerda StueberMickey Tinsley

John LiebermanHilary and Mike Talis

Cheryl LukatchElizabeth BarrettSandra and John ConradBonita FeltJennifer FeltIdelle LipmanBarry LukatchNathan Wechsler & Co.

Nancy MattinglyRichard CuellarLinda LindemannKristina MarshMatern Professional EngineeringBarbara MattinglySheryl SandlerMary Beth White

Carolyn MonroeMac Harper

Arlene SalvaggioLisa Salvaggio

Phyllis Lodge SchroederLinda & Carl Scharfenberg

Norman Spear David and Michele Spear

Gary SteinerAllen, Jonathan, Marilyn and RogerMann

Pearl Taleisnick Hilary and Michael Talis

Charles TalisHilary and Michael Talis

Civic GiftsSmith Family Foundation

Corporate Sponsorships

GrantsCameo of Lee County

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Benefactor $2,000Ellie FoxLinda & Carl Scharfenberg

Philanthropist $1,000Keith KyleBarry LukatchReina and Robert SchlagerSmith Family Foundation

Ambassador $500Laurie DennisKathy Y. MonroeJo Stecher

Humanitarian $250Abby ServicesTeresa and John Goodlad

Friend $100Julie and Thomas BoardmanMary BrownPeg and Scott Gray-VickreyFlorence Wieder IMO Robert E. Wieder

LuminariesGayle Bell Danielle LangevinJennifer Felt

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Visit smile.amazon.comSign in with the same account you use forAmazon.comSelect the Dubin CenterStart shopping! Remember to checkout atsmile.amazon.com to generate donations foryour chosen charity.

AmazonSmile is a way customers can supporttheir favorite charitable organization every timethey shop with Amazon, at no additional cost.

How to sign up for AmazonSmile

1.2.

3.4.

Special events coming soon! SAVE THE DATES

Memory Café Painting EventSeptember 21st 11am-12pm

Clients living with dementia are invited to the center with their caregiver to create artwork forBrushstrokes from the Soul art auction. Call 239-437-3007 to register.

Brushstrokes Artwork Open House

October 26th & 28th from 10am - 2pmCaregivers are invited to bring their loved ones to our dementia friendly center to share fellowship and

refreshments and artwork submitted by individuals with dementia throughout southwest Florida.

The 25th Annual Brushstrokes from the Soul November 4th at 5pm

A ticketed celebration will be held at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers toraise money to help sustain the important work of the Dubin Center.

Visit DubinCenter.com/brushstrokes-from-the-soul

The 15th Annual Caregiver Holiday SocialDecember 1, 2021 from 2-4pm

Caregivers, this event is for you! Bring your loved one living with dementia to the Edison Hall atCypress Cove and enjoy live music, dancing, food and refreshments. Call the center to RSVP!

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Describe the first car you ever owned. Can you remember themake, model, color, interior, features and cost?Who paid for your first car?Tell stories about a favorite road trip.How many cars have you owned in your lifetime?Which car was your favorite?Did you service your own car or have you ever rebuilt one?How many traffic tickets have you gotten in your lifetime? Howmany parking tickets have you had?Share an exciting memory involving one of your cars.Describe a time you had a major problem while driving.Have you ever given names of nicknames to your cars? If so,what are they?

Cars in my Life

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Giving individuals with dementia the opportunity and means to remembertheir past and recall happy times helps them feel peaceful, contented andvalued. It also helps them feel successful and more confident. Below aresome conversation starters about cars!

The Benefits of Reminiscing

“

"I remember our family had a blue station wagon when I was little. My mom sewed

curtains for the windows to keep the sun out on road trips!” Lynne

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Although at times I may question that premise, my love for my wife never wanes. There is always love in my heart,even at times when I struggle with my conflicting emotions and the forever present uneasiness of the unknown. Ihave feelings of fear, anger, frustration, being overwhelmed and the ultimate loss of my wife. I try never to forget thatshe always feels the love that we have for one another even while dealing with her own anguish brought on by thisravaging disease. It breaks my heart as I watch her struggle to do things that came so easily to her in the past, but arenow often difficult or impossible to accomplish. What truly hurts me the most is the realization that she continues tofeel the loss of herself a little bit more at a time and knows that it will never get better.

What I have learned so far is that compassion, forgiveness and patience are the three most valuable traits I can aspireto achieve and maintain. Both for myself and my wife. Along the way has come a peacefulness in my understandingand acceptance. There are constant changes that required to make this journey as comfortable as possible for allinvolved. I never know what or when the next issue will arise, but what I have learned is, that as my wife's caregiver, Imust adjust. I should never expect her to be able to do so.

Caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer's is a journey on a roller coaster ride withno predetermined length and no knowledge of the amount of highs and lows wewill feel. This is not an easy journey and some may feel it is their most difficult, butit is one that I am committed to take. We all experience this journey differently.Although there may be many common issues, each of us will deal with them as bestwe can. There are no correct answers. Each of us is unique unto ourselves and ourcircumstances. With the help of support offered by others we may find the bestways to meet our needs. Of one thing I am sure, it is worth the ride!

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Caregiver Corner

I wake up every day so very grateful for the time we are still able to enjoy together, in each other's company, and thetruly special life that we share. There is never a day that goes by that I am not able to see or hear of others far lessfortunate than ourselves and appreciate all that we have. As a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer's, we oftenfeel alone and empty. It is our love, inner strength and support from others that carries us through what may well bethe most fulfilling experience of our lives. It is an honor to be able to give so much to one you love.

I realize that our journey will continue to get more difficult as time goes on, but at this moment each day brings adifferent song in my wife's head which she sings to me in the morning and often throughout the day. I love her senseof humor and we continually share great moments of laughter together. We dance as often as we can, enjoy greatmeals together, share time with family and others that we truly care for and care for us. In the small scheme ofthings, our life truly is grand!

I love you Cheryl with all my heart and soul.

Barry

By Barry Lukatch

In loving memory of Cheryl LukatchFeb 15, 1950 - May 12, 2021

Don't forget to follow

the Dubin Center on Facebook

www.facebook.com/DubinCenter.com

and visit our website atwww.Dubin Center.com

12468 Brantley Commons CourtFort Myers, FL 33907(239) 437-3007www.DubinCenter.cominfo@DubinCenter.com